Head Veterinary Nurse

Do you enjoy working in a busy hospital environment? Are you interested in paving the way of how hospitals should run? If so, join our team at Medivet Faygate 24-Hour! Set in acres of rolling woodland and picturesque grounds is our Faygate practice, surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and within reach of the South Downs National Park and stunning Jurassic coastline. We have an outstanding reputation for providing market-leading care to our patients and their owners, supported by a friendly and welcoming team.

We are seeking a Head RVN to join our dedicated, experienced, friendly and supportive team, where patient care is at the core. This well-equipped branch has digital radiography, dental radiography, multiparameter anaesthetic monitors, endoscopy and bronchoscopy, full lab equipment, CT and two theatres. The clinic provides a separate cat waiting area as well as separate cat and dog wards, plus an isolation facility. This role is 40 hours per week full time. Salary negotiable dependent on experience. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years experience in a similar role.

Please contact joanne.gray@medivet.co.uk for a friendly initial conversation or more information.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional care to clients, each and every day.
• Patient care: Support the vet with any operations or procedures when required.
• Carry out nurse-led appointments.
• Responsible for patient monitoring and care.
• Manage admissions and discharges for procedures as directed by the Vet or Lead Vet (depending on complexity).
• Ensure patient records are accurate and up to date.
• Ensure all pre- or post-operation activity is completed.
• Provide everyday care for patients by carrying out appropriate walking, toileting and feeding.
• Complete any patient transfers required to an out-of-hours (OOH) care provider or for any enhanced care required.
• Responsible for dispensing and checking any medication required.
• All patient care is carried out under the guidance of the Vet/Lead Vet in line with clinical competence.

Standards and Compliance

• Accountable for clinical compliance with all regulatory and practice standards and agreed ways of working.
• Ensure the appropriate regulatory, practice and operational veterinary and nursing standards are implemented in the practice.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

Communications

• Hold daily briefings and coordinate roles and activities to support the effective running of the clinic.
• Effectively deliver timely clinical communications to veterinary and nursing teams, sharing news of changes or improvements to processes or practice standards, Social Ecosystem Model (SEM) outcomes, etc.
• Carry out engaging clinical meetings with the nursing team.

Clinical leadership

• Support and carry out clinical coaching as required.
• Pro-actively share clinical best practice within and across clinics and the wider Medivet community.
• Responsible for training and the development of the nursing team.
• Ensure the clinical team is clear on their responsibilities and any tasks that need to be completed each day.
• Ensure that Veterinary Nurses have appropriate clinical support and coaching.
• Lead, manage and promote nurse-led appointments and Schedule 3 surgeries.
• To continue to deliver exceptional care to clients the Vet and Lead Vet are responsible for mentoring graduates within the clinic.
• The Nurse and Head Nurse are responsible for coaching the nursing team.

Clinical administration

• Take samples as required by and under the direction of the Vet/Lead Vet.
• Ensure lab tests are carried out correctly.
• Effectively manage the stock in the clinic and place any orders required.
• Escalate any issues to the Practice Manager and/or Vet/Lead Vet as required.
• Ensure the back of the house is set up and ready for procedures.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Must be an RCVS registered nurse.
• Able to confidently lead a clinical team.
• Effective planning and management of the clinical team.
• Implementation of a progressive clinical culture through nurse clinics and nurse consultations.
• Supports nurse consults and understands how this contributes to the performance and efficient operation of the clinic.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Experienced in using coaching and influencing skills to get the best out of each and every colleague.

Our clinics are run by small teams who need to work together effectively to deliver exceptional care to our clients, patients, and colleagues. This means that, from time to time, you may be required to carry out tasks outside your normal duties, where you have the skills, knowledge and experience required.